According to the Born Free Foundation, the big cats, Jora and Black, journeyed more than 16 500km following their rescue in Bulgaria until they eventually reached South Africa.
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It took the cooperation of a number of global groups, including The Born Free Foundation and FOUR PAWS worldwide Animal Welfare Organization to organize every leg of the journey.
Jora and Black were flown from Bourgas airport to London Gatwick on Saturday.
Since they were cubs, Black and Jora had been the star performers of a travelling show touring Eastern Europe and Turkey, but when the Bulgarian authorities banned the use of wild mammals in circuses, the lions faced living out a miserable existence in a stifling “beast wagon”. Eagerly awaiting their arrival will be actress and Born Free Foundation Co-Founder, Virginia McKenna OBE, who will make a special trip airside to greet Jora and Black. With no future engagements booked, Jora and Black’s owner’s left the animals in the tiny confines of their metal traveling auto, nicknamed “the beast wagon”, until they could figure out what to do.
Two former circus lions were given a new lease on life on Monday when they were released into the Shamwari Game Reserve near Port Elizabeth. Jora and Black are flagship animals for the ending of all wild animals in circuses.
“When the crates were first opened and they were released into their enclosure, they were a bit tentative at first but they had their first touch on African soil which was very emotional for all involved”.
The animals’ relocation was organized by experts working with Bulgaria’s Environment Ministry, but it was the Born Free Foundation that set aside the expenses for their journey. “Let all countries follow Bulgaria’s example”.
Coronation Street actress Helen Worth launched the successful appeal for Jora and Black’s rescue in July and has been closely following their story.
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After landing in Johannesburg, Jora and Black were transported by road to Shamwari. They still have a long way to go but I am really happy that with the generous public support we are able to offer them a wonderful new home with our friends at Shamwari Game Reserve. If you are interesting in helping to fund the lion brothers’ day-to-day care you can donate to their cause here.
